Nahum the Prophet
Category: Endurance in declaring God’s justice
Could avoid: Remain silent against a powerful empire.
“The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.” (Nahum 1:2)
Cross-Refs: Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19.
Chose: Announced Nineveh’s destruction despite its might.
“I am against you, declares the LORD Almighty.” (Nahum 2:13)
Cross-Refs: Ezekiel 13:8; James 4:6.
Endured: Opposition of empire, burden of a hard message.
“A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.” (Nahum 1:1)
Cross-Refs: Amos 1:1; Acts 20:27.
Why: Zeal for God’s justice and glory.
“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 46:1; Matthew 11:28.
Result: Prophecy fulfilled, giving hope to Judah.
“Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!” (Nahum 1:15)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15.
Nineveh / Assyria (Negative Example)
Category: Endurance in cruelty leading to judgment
Could avoid: Repent as in Jonah’s day.
“Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!” (Nahum 3:1)
Cross-Refs: Jonah 3:5–10; Revelation 18:2.
Chose (wrongly): Persisted in oppression and violence.
“Nothing can heal you; your wound is fatal.” (Nahum 3:19)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 47:11; Galatians 6:7.
Endured: Coming siege, downfall, shame.
“Your guards are like locusts, your officials like swarms of locusts.” (Nahum 3:17)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 10:12; Habakkuk 2:13.
Why (wrongly): Trusted in wealth, fortresses, and idols.
“All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?” (Nahum 3:19)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 52:7; Revelation 18:9–10.
Result: City destroyed, empire collapsed.
“Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?” (Nahum 3:7)
Cross-Refs: Zephaniah 2:13–15; Revelation 18:21.
Judah (the Oppressed People)
Category: Endurance in waiting for deliverance
Could avoid: Give in to despair under Assyrian domination.
“Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more.” (Nahum 1:12)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 94:12–13; Hebrews 12:11.
Chose: Trust in God’s justice and refuge.
“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 9:9–10; 1 Peter 5:7.
Endured: Oppression, fear of Nineveh’s armies.
“The scatterer has come up against you.” (Nahum 2:1, ESV)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 37:36; Habakkuk 1:13.
Why: Believed deliverance comes from God alone.
“Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.” (Nahum 1:13)
Cross-Refs: Leviticus 26:13; John 8:36.
Result: Promise of peace and restored freedom.
“Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you.” (Nahum 1:15)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 40:9–11; Revelation 21:4.